UN Announces Decade to Combat Sand and Dust Storms from 2025 to 2034

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2025 to 2034 as the Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms. These extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and pose threats to health and economies from central Africa to northern China. Uganda's UN Ambassador Godfrey Kwoba introduced the resolution on behalf of the Group of 77, which includes 134 developing countries and China.

The resolution aims to "halt and mitigate the negative effects of sand and dust storms" through "international and regional cooperation." The assembly adopted it by consensus, marked by a gavel bang from assembly president Dennis Francis. According to a 2022 report by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, sand and dust storms have "increased dramatically in frequency in recent years."

Impact of Sand and Dust Storms

These storms can worsen respiratory illnesses, destroy crops and livestock, and contribute to desertification. However, documentation of their impact remains limited. The convention estimated that 2 trillion tons of sand and dust enter the atmosphere annually, primarily from dry lands and sub-humid regions with sparse vegetation. While most emissions are due to natural conditions, droughts and climate change worsen the problem.

The report also noted that "at least 25 per cent of global dust emissions originate from human activities" such as unsustainable land management and water use. As part of the decade-long initiative, the General Assembly stated that the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation will promote mitigation practices in affected countries.

Mitigation Practices

These practices include "sustainable land use management, agroforestry, shelter belts, afforestation/reforestation, and land restoration programs." The resolution also calls for global cooperation to enhance early warning systems and share weather information crucial for forecasting sand dust storms.

The adoption of this resolution comes just two days before the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms on July 12. This day was declared last year by the General Assembly and will be celebrated for the first time this year. The resolution encourages countries to observe the day with educational activities that raise public awareness about combating sand and dust storms.

Global Cooperation

The initiative aims to improve public health, enhance land use, boost food security, improve livelihoods, and promote "resilience to climate change." The focus is on fostering international collaboration to tackle these issues effectively.

In conclusion, this decade-long initiative underscores the importance of addressing sand and dust storms through coordinated global efforts. By promoting sustainable practices and enhancing early warning systems, the UN aims to mitigate the adverse effects of these extreme weather events on health, agriculture, and economies worldwide.